Multiple deck cot



DGC- 29, 19.42. E. D. .HALLOCKK- 2,306,438

' MULTIPLE DECK GoT y Filed April 1o, 194:2r 2 sheets-sheet 1 .E. D. HALLQcK-4 MULTIPLE DECK coT md April 1o, 1942 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented Dee. 2.9, 194.2L

' Um'rso sr rss PATENT OFFICE MULTIPLE DECK Co'r v y Eugene Hallock, Buffalo, N. Y.

Application April 10, 1942, Serial No. 438,366

t' (ors-s) (Grantee unser the act of March s, 188s, as

amended April 30, 1928; 370 O. G. 757) 8 Claims.

The invention described herein, if patented, may be manufactured and used by or for the Government for governmental purposes, Without the payment to me of any royalty thereon.

The present invention relates to folding `cot y otally linked to the spring frame-so that Vthe entire cot may be shipping. Y

Y The applicant is aware that the obvious space saving advantages to be derived byv having these cots arranged in tiers of tvlo, three or more decks have longbeen recognized and that numerous diierent expedients have been resorted to in an attempt vto provide satisfactory multiple deck supporting means. However, so far as known to the applicant, each of these structures known in the prior art has been subject to one or more rather serious objections. stated very briefly, it is believed proper to .set them out in this application'in order that-the advantages inherent in the applicants construetion here disclosed may be instantly apparent. Accordingly, it may be noted that prior art structures may have been objectionable in that: n

1. They have been heavy, cumbersome and bulky;

folded fiat for storage or Since these may be 2. They have been permanently attached to 4. They have been so constructed as to kpro-QL vides surfaces or crevices in Which dirtmight accumulate and which might be inhabited by vermin; I Y f 5. They have supported the upper cots directly from the iioor or Wall surface thereby requiring more material than the present construction;

6. They have been relatively expensive, often representing an expenditure comparable with the'- cost of the cots. y l

It is, accordingl the aim of the present invention to provide a novel andimprovedstructure havingnone of the above faults and-iconsequently more satisfactory in practical use than any prior art structure. f

It may be also pointed out that While the present structure has been designed specifically to meet the needs of armytroops, its utility is believed to extend to civilianuses as wellV and its advantages are believed to apply equally to military and commercial devices.- c

The primary object of the invention is to provide an `improved and simpliiie'd multiple deck cot supportl so constructed andv arranged that standard` types of foldingwrnetal cots mayv be supported in tiers to conserve space in army barracks without sacrice Vofthe comfort of the soldiers.

A further object of the inventiony is'to provide a novel and improved multiple deck cot'sup port so designed and constructed'that'the frame of the upper cot is supported directlybn'the main 'frame member of the Vcot immediately be tical and separate independent 'corrieri posts,y

each adapted'to receive one'of the feet ofthe upper cot and to engage the flower interlocking relationship.

A further object ofthefinvention isto provide multiple deck cotsupports comprising a ysimple straight tubular body portion adaptedV to receive,

a foot portion of the upper cot at its upper ex1- tremity and to support thekweightn of" the cot'v onl the curved upper surface of the frame 'meme bers of the lower cot. Y

Another object of the invention is to provide multiple deck cot supporting 1 corner posts so designed and constructed as'tojinterlockvvith the frame member of the loWer cot and tobe maintained in interlocked position 'at al1 times by the frame of the upper cot so thatthe tubu'v lar deck cot construction is a rigidly integrated unit and so that the lower cots may be lifted vfrom the floor by grasping the corner posts.

A further object of the invention is to provide a novel and improved multiple deckV cot support of simple design and construction,y sodesig'ned as to interlock with the standard metalframes A of conventional types of cots to 'provide unob-1 cot frame' in;

structed access to all parts of the cot frames for cleaning, and without resulting in concealed shelves, ledges, pockets, or other surfaces that might tend to collect dirt or furnish concealed breeding places for vermin.

A further object of the invention is to provide a multiple deck cot support supporting structure so designed and constructed as to be well adapted to economical methods of manufacture and of such simplicity that it may be produced at relatively small cost.

Further objects will appear hereinafter.

. Referring now more particularly to the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a fragmental perspective view of a present preferred embodiment of the multiple deck cot supporting post showing the corner post in the position it assumes in a double deck tier of cots;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the corner post illustrated in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a fragmental detail sectional view showing the interlocking relationship between a lower end of the corner post and the lower cot frame;

Fig. 4 is a perspective View of a modified form of -cot supporting corner post; and

Fig. 5 is a detail sectional view of the corner post illustrated in Fig. 4.

The corner posts, generally indicated by the reference numeral I in Fig. 1, are provided in sets of four. Each is adapted to extend upwardly from one corner of a conventional folding cot to support an identical cot immediately above it.

The lower and upper cost both include spring frames I I supported by head and foot frames I2. The head and foot frames are identical in construction and in the type of cot illustrated in this application each includes a straight horizontal tubular cross-bar i3 having downwardly curved side portions I4 terminating in vertical leg portions I joined by horizontal tie-rod I6. Both the head and foot frames are pivotally mounted on the spring frame by a pair of links I'I and I8, the links I'I and i8 extending between the rivets I9 and 2B on the spring frame andthe rivets 2I and 22 on the end frame I2 of each of the cots.

The corner post structure I forms the essence of. the present invention and comprises a straight cylindrical tube opened at its upper end and split at its lower end to provide a pair of side ilanges extending upwardly a short distance from the lower end of the tube and interconnected by a curved bearing surface 26 at the upper extremity of. the split. The arrangement is such that the tube. is entirely open on one side and may be positionedY over the curved portion I of one of the end. frames of the cot, so that the flanges 25 will4 it snugly on either side of the tubular end frame and the bearing portion 26 will come to rest against the inclined upper surface 21 of the curved portion IfI of the end frame.

The opposite side of the tube I6 is notched at 23v to provide clearance around the rivet ZI, but it shouldbe noted that the downwardly extending edgesy 29 bounding the notch 28 and the horizontal edge. 3I forming the upper limit to the not-ch all lie immediately behind the link il, so that lateral, movement of the lower end of the corner post Ill will be limited by the link.

From examination of Figs. 1 and 3', it will be seen. that the lower extremity of the leg I5 of they upper cot is positioned in the open upper end oftl1e tubular corner post Il! and extends downwardly an appreciable distance so that the tierod I6 of the upper cot will bear against the upper end of the corner post and form a iirm support for the upper cot. In this position the leg of the upper cot frame I2 extends well into the tubular corner post I0 and thus establishes a firm and solid connection between the corner post and the upper cot.

The lower end of the corner post I0 is preferably arranged to receive its principal support by the engagement of the bearing portion 2t of the ycorner post with the downwardly inclined surface 21 of the curved portion III of the lower cot and frame. The downward thrust of the corner post will then tend to react on the inclined surface to move the lower extremity of the corner laterally outwardly to the left as viewed in Fig. 3, but this motion will be limited by the edges 3| of the notch 23, which bear against the inner surface of the link I'I.

A tendency toward the camming action just described is of advantage in the present construction, however, sin-ce it tends to utilize the downward thrust due to the weight of the upper cots to exert a wedging action between the corner post and the frame of the lower cot so that the corner post end frame and link II are rigidly wedged together and not subject to looseness, rattling or lost motion of any kind. It is contemplated, of course, that if desired, the upper edge 3I of the notch 28 may engage the rivet 2I directly and be supported thereby but in the structure illustrated this is unnecessary.

From the foregoing, it will be apparent that the construction and arrangement of each of the corner posts is such as to provide a firm, rigid. and vbrationless support for one or more upper tiers of cots, but it is also contemplated that it may be desirable to provide a more permanent interlocking engagement between the corner posts and the lower cots so that the entire tier of the cots may be lifted by grasping the individual corner posts only, to facilitate the moving of the cots about the barracksand to prevent any possibility of accidental disengagement between the corner post and the cot on which it is supported. To this end a pair of ears 32 are provided at the lower extremities of the side edges 29 respectievly of the notch 28. These ears are of sulficient length to extend below the link I1 so that straight upward movement of the corner post I0 with respect to the end frame I2 of the cot will -be prevented by the engagement of the ears 32 with the lower surfaces of the link II. Thus, as

, long as the upper ends of the corner post I0 are maintained in proper spaced relationship to each other, asby their engagement with the end frame of the upper cot, the lower ends of the corner posts positively interlock with the end frame of the lower cot. To release the corner posts and disassemble the structure it is necessary to first lift the upper cot out of its telescoping arrangement with the corner posts and then swing. the upper ends of each of the corner posts outwardly so that the ears 32 may be passed behind the link II.

In assembling the cots it is, of course, necessary to manipulate the corner posts in a non-vertical position to position the ears 32 behind the link I'I, then swing the corner posts to vertical position andinsert the feet of the upper cot in the open tubular ends at the top of the ends of each corner post.

In the modified embodiment of the invention illustratedin Figs. 4 and 5, the tubular riser IIIr respectively, joined by. horizontal top portion 4lV to provide, in effect, an inverted channell arranged to be positioned over the tubular-bend frame l2 of the cot so that the lower surface-of the inverted channel 48 will engage the-upper surface of the straight horizontal bar portion-I3 of the cotand frame.-

The gusset plates y45 and 4t are yjoined-'alongV their lower portionsby the curved 'portion 4S which is notched at 50 to 4clear the rivet 2| as hereinbefore pointed out in connection with the form of the invention illustrated in Figs. 1, 2 and 3. As in the former case, however, the edgesl, 52 and 53 may assume positions'behind the surface of the links' ITI-to prevent lateral displacement of the cornerpostwith respect to the rend frame I2. 'l f It will also be noted that although the illustrations of Figs. 4 and 5 do' not show ears similar to the ears 32 of the previously. described form of the invention, it is contemplated that these may be used or may be omitted as a matter of choice in this construction. It is to be noted in the present construction, however, that itis unnecessary to take bearing on the curved portion I4 of the lower cot frame l2,'since the inverted channel 48 is positioned Yto rest squarely in engagement with the surface of the straight horizontal bar,

portion-|3 of the'cot-frame. f y

From the foregoing description it should be instantly apparent that the present application discloses a highly satisfactory multiple deckl cot support marking a distin-ct advance in the` art since it overcomes the objections commonly made in prior art structures onthe basis of their' weight, cost, bulk, portability or complexity and provides in four single, independent and identical pieces of metal afully eicient means for supporting multiple deck cots that combines the advantages of absolute rigidity, simplicity, attractiveness o1 apcost and long life. I As hereinbefore stated, the detailed structure of the present applicationhas been developed in the United States Army to meet present military requirements and is believed to be the most satisfactory article for the purpose yet devised. It should not be considered as limited to military uses, however, since it is believed to be equally acceptable in commercial and civilian adaptation and the invention should therefore be regarded as limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, I claim: 1. In a multiple deck cot, a lower cot structure including a spring frame, a pair of end frames at the head and foot thereof, and paired links interconnecting the spring frame and end frames; each of said end frames constituting a tubular horizontal bar extending across the width of the cot, curving downwardly adjacent each side of the cot in a curved portion, and extending vertically downwardly adjacent each corner of the cot pearance, ease in assembly and disassembly, low

cot-with the spring frame.

VZontal bar portion of the end frame of the'cot and inclosing aportion of the tubular'horizontal end frame member'of the cot; and'. means to prevent lateral shiftingV of the lower-portions of the corner posts withrespect to'y the lower frame elements of thef'low'errcot, said means consisting of lsurfacesf'adapted to engage the inner side of one of l the-links interconnecting the end frame of the 2. vIn a multiple deck cot, a lower cotfstructure including aspring frame'and a pair of end frames at'the head and'foot thereof ;-each oi said end frames constitutingatubular horizontal bar extending across the width of the cot, curving down- Wardlyfadjacent'each side of the Vcot in a curved portion; and extending -vertically downwardly adjacent each corner of the-cot in a vertical 'leg portion;V an 'upper cot structure includingy a spring frameand end frames identical in design and construction with the lower cot structore heretofore defined; and .fourl upper cotsupporting corner posts each including afsocket'receiving the lower u end portionV ofaone ofthe legs of the' upper cot frame and acolumnv to" extend downwardly tothe lowerlcotframevgsaid,corner posts having base portions supported 'by the'horizontal bar portion f of the end frame-of thecot and inclosing a porframes at thehead and foot thereof; each of said end frames constituting a tubular horizontal bar extending across the width of the cot, curving downwardly adjacent -A each side of the cot in a curved portion and extending vertically downwardly adjacent each corner of the cot in a vertical leg portion; an upper cot structure including a spring frame and end frames identical ink ically engaging-'with the lower extremities of the in a vertical leg portion; an upper cot structure legl portions lofthe upper cot, the' lower portion of each of said cornerposts being-split at one side and flared outwardly to provide two opposed side anges extending upwardly `an appreciable distance from thelower extremity of the corner post and joined at their upper extremities by a curved bearing portion, the lower split portion of the corner post engaging and surrounding a portion of the tubular end frame of the lower cotso that the corner post may assume a -position in vertical alignment with the vertical leg portions of the cot and so that the curved bearing surface interconnecting the side anges of the corner post may engage and be supported by the curved portion of the end frame of the cot; and means to prevent lateral movement of the corner post with respect to the cot and to thusfacilitate'wedging engagement between the corner postand the inclined surface of the cot frame.

4. In a multipledeck cot, a lower cot structure including a spring frame, a pair of end frames at the head and foot thereof, and links interconnecting the spring frame and end frames; each of said end frames constituting a tubular horizontal bar extending across Vthe width of the cot, curving downwardly adjacent each side of the cot in a curved portion, and extending vertically downwardly adjacent each corner of the cot in a vertical leg portion; an upper cot structure including a spring frame, end frames and links identical in design and construction with the lower cot structure heretofore defined; and four upper cot supporting corner posts each having a relatively long cylindrical tubular body portion of uniform diameter throughout its entire length, each of said loods7 portions being open at its upper end for telesco-pic engagement with the lower extremity of a leg portion of the upper cot, the lower portion of each of said tubular body being split at one side and flared outwardly to provide two opposed side flanges extending upwardly an appreciable distance from the lower extremity of the corner post and joined at their upper extremities by a curved bearing portion, the lower split portion o-f each of the corner posts engaging and surrounding a portion of a tubular end frame of the lower cot, so that the corner posts may assume positions in vertical alignment with the vertical leg portions of the lower cot and so that the curved bearing surface interconnecting the side flanges of the corner post may engage and be supported by the curved portion of the end frames of the lower cot, and means to prevent lateral movement of the corner post with respect to the cot and to thus facilitate wedging engagement between the corner post and the in.- clined surface of the cot frame,

5. As an article of manufacture, a multiple deck cot supporting post having a relatively long cylindrical tubular body portion, said body portion being open at its upper end for telescopic engagement with the lower extremity of a leg portion of a cot, the lower portion of said tubular body being split at one side to provide two opposed side flanges extending upwardly an appreciable distance from the lower extremity of the corner post and joinedv at their upper extremities, the construction and arrangement being such that the lower split portion of the corner post is adapted to engage and surround a portion of a tubular end frame of a cot so that the corner post may assume a position of vertical alignment with the vertical leg portions of the cot, and so that the corner post may engage and be supported by end frame of the lower cot.

6. As an article of manufacture, a multiple deck cot supporting post having a relatively long cylindrical tubular body portion of uniform dlameter throughout its entire length, said 4body portion being open at its upper end for telescopic engagement with the lower extremity of a tubular leg portion of a cot, the lower portion of said tubular body being split at `one side and flared outwardly to provide two opposed side flanges extending upwardly an appreciable distance from the lower extremity of thecorner post and joined at their upper extremities by a curved bearing portion, the construction and arrangement being such that the lower split portion of the corner post is adapted to engage and surround a portion of a tubular end frame of a cot so that the corner post may assume a position in vertical alignment with the vertical leg portions of the cot and so that the curved bearing surface interconnecting the side flanges of the .corner post may engage and be supported by the curved portionof the end frame of the cot, and means to prevent lateral movement of the corner post with respect to the cot and to thus facilitate wedging engagement between the corner post and the inclined surface of the cot frame.

7. As an article of manufacture, a multiple deck cot support comprising a pair of generally triangular gusset plates spaced apart from each other a distance sufficient to receive-a tubular end frame of a folding cot,'an inverted channel portion joining said gusset plates at their upper edges; side flanges on said gusset plates to prevent lateral displacement thereof, -a tubular riser portion integrally united with the gusset plates and extending upwardly therefrom, and a socket portion at the upper end of said riser to receive and support the lower extremity of the leg of an upper cot.

8. As an article of manufacture, a multiple deck cot support comprising a pair of generally triangular gusset plates spaced apart from each other a distance sufficient to receive a tubular end frame of a folding cot, an inverted channel portion joining said gusset plates at their upper edges and adapted to bear against a flat horizontal surface of the cot frame; said flanges on said gusset plates to prevent lateral displacement thereof, a tubular riser portion integrally united with the gusset plates and extending upwardly therefrom, and an enlarged socket vportion at the upper end -of said riser; said socket including an internal shoulder to receive and support the lower extremity ofthe leg of an upper cot.

EUGENE D. HALLOCK. 

